SCRUB: Science Creates Real Understanding of Biosecurity

Abstract

This SCRUB curriculum and the corresponding SCRUB kit were developed through a collaboration between Dr. Betsy Greene, University of Arizona, and Dr. Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University. The SCRUB curriculum activities, complement the Biosecurity Learning Modules(link is external) developed by the Animal Disease Biosecurity Coordinated Agricultural Project (ADBCAP) education team and posted on the Healthy Farms Healthy Agriculture(link is external) website. The SCRUB curriculum and the corresponding SCRUB kit link hands-on activities with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, by incorporating science into fun activities to engage youth in grades 6 - 12 with an existing interest in animal science. SCRUB fills an important need to teach youth about biosecurity since their animals may be at risk every time they travel to new places and mingle with other animals during shows and exhibitions. The SCRUB curriculum has been built to provide all of the information needed for instructors (with or without biosecurity and animal knowledge) to conduct the lessons. Additionally, we included “At A Glance” sections at the beginning to show key points of the activities as well as what is needed for each lesson. There are shopping lists for each of the hands on activities, as well as information on purchasing the SCRUB kit. The SCRUB kit provides the majority of the items needed, with a few exceptions (e.g. frozen water bottles for cooler activity), to conduct the activity with a classroom or club group of up to 25 people.